Free DIY Furniture Plans: How to Build an Outdoor Reef Chair with Modifications for Cushions from Target

Showcase: Built From These PlansI am so honored each and every time one of you fine friends builds from these very plans! If you have built this piece, please take a moment and showcase your build! We are dying to see your fabulous hard work!

I actually wanted to add a 'woot woot' to the title, but I figured I would restrain myself and show a bit of composure here, you know... like a lady and all. Right. So we are beginning to roll out our mods to some of the popular pieces that many of you have requested we adjust. These mods will accomodate some much less expensive, standard sized and much more readily available cushion options. You guys, I couldn't agree more that this is much needed but honestly until recently not many of the retailers have graced us with a variety of cushion options that are inexpensive, mix and match and not custom to a specific piece of their own furniture lines. So of course, once the build is all said and done, it's the dang cushions that either stump you or set you back a pretty penny. Well, thank you to the Targets Home Depots, and IKEAs of the world for hearing our DIY prayers, am I right?

Each furniture collection and piece will likely have an option or two that work most easily with it according to it's size and shape. I'm hoping for the path of least resistance here my friends and the lowest cost possible. The Free DIY Furniture Plans to Build a Reef Sofa and Free DIY Furniture Plans to Build a Reef Chair have quickly become two of our most popular builds (take a peak through our Showcase Gallery and our hashtag #builtTDCtuff and you will see) so I'm starting with these...

The cushion options here that will work best are either the Ecom Outdoor Cushion set which retails for $69 at Target or a less expensive option and a bit more fun is a Threshold Outdoor Deep Seating Cushion which retails for $29 and one or two 18" toss pillows for the back. Alternatively you might also use a cushion like this for the seat which retails for $19 and would help cut cost in a large quantity but it is decidedly less boxy than the other for sure so this is a style and budgetary thing for sure.

4 – 2x4 at 8’
4 – 1x4 at 8’

Cut the pieces for the sides. Set the Kreg jig for 1-1/2” material and drill pocket holes in each end of the 33 3/4” piece as well as the top only of the legs. Assemble using glue and 2-1/2” pocket hole screws.

4 – 2x4 at 27 1/4” – Legs
2 – 2x4 at 33 3/4” – Side Frames
2 – 2x4 at 36 3/4” – Top
1 – 2x4 at 29” – Top
2 – 2x4 at 22” – Seat Support
1 – 2x4 at 22” (ripped to 2-3/4” wide) – Seat Support
3 – 1x4 at 24” – Seat Slats
8 – 1x4 at 14-3/4” – Side Slats
3 – 1x4 at 16-3/4” – Back Slats

Cut the pieces for the top. Cut 45 deg. angles in each end of the long piece as well as one end of the short pieces (there will be a left and right). Drill pocket holes in the mitered ends and assemble with glue and 2” pocket hole screws. Place on the side assemblies and attach using glue and 2” pocket hole screws through the top of the legs into the top piece.

Before beginning to build, always check in on my site to make sure you have the most up to date set of plans, I occasionally update and change the plans to make the building process easier or to allow for less expensive purchasing of materials! Read through the entire set of instructions and all comments before beginning this project. If you print out or save plans, be sure to check in on my site to be sure you have the most up to date set of plans, as I occasionally update things for ease of building or buying. If you are new to building, read through the GETTING STARTED section and other articles found under the BUILD tab in the menu on my site, it has valuable information about how to get started, tools and techniques. If you are unfamiliar with the finishing process, visit my Finishing school for some tips and tricks for painting like a pro and for special finishing practices. Use glue to secure your joints and Consider Painting or Staining individual sections prior to assembling. This makes the paint application virtually flawless. Coat with a spray on Poly or Wipe on Poly to protect your finish and your piece and it will last for ages. Adhere to all safety standards and guidelines, and be sure you follow safety protocol throughout your build. If you are unsure about whether you are building safely, run a quick online search for the tool or technique you are using, or contact me via email or post to the forum before you move ahead. My contact info can be found in the menu of my site.

Cut the pieces for the seat supports. The center support will be a 2x4 ripped to 2-3/4” wide and will be located ¾” down from the top of the side stretcher piece to allow for the seat slats. Attach the leg piece at the center using glue and 2-1/2” pocket hole screws. Attach all pieces at the spacing indicated (with the front piece flush with the front of the side frame) to the side frames using glue and 2-1/2” pocket hole screws.

Cut the pieces for the side slats. Drill pocket holes in each end. Attach to the side frames at the spacing indicated with glue and 1-1/4” pocket hole screws.

Cut the pieces for the seat slats. Set the Kreg jig for ¾” material and drill pocket holes in each end. Attach to the seat supports using glue and 1-1/4” pocket hole screws. Secure the center of the slats to the center of the support with 1-1/4” brad nails.

Cut the pieces for the back slats. The angles may be a little tricky but they should be cut at approximately 25 deg. (see drawing). Once the angles are cut, drill pocket holes in the end of each slat. Attach to the back support and top with glue and 1-1/4” pocket hole screws.

Fill any Screw, Nail or Pocket Holes, Sand and Finish as Desired. For Finishing Tips and Tricks visit my Finishing School

The Design Confidential

// Disclaimer: Some rights reserved. Private use only. Feel Free to link to any of my plans so long as you ONLY use 1 image and provide an ADEQUATE link back to the original source and appropriate plan! Plans from this page are not to be used for commercial purposes or republished without the express written consent of Rayan Turner, The Design Confidential I hope to provide accurate plans, however, I cannot guarantee each plan for accuracy. Not every plan that I post has been built and tested, so you are building at your own risk. It is recommended that you have a clear understanding of how the project works before beginning any project. Please contact me if you find an error or inaccuracy so that I might fix it. // Post May Contain Affiliate Links

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Build Plans Retailer Crate & Barrel Type Outdoor Furniture Seating Chairs Skill Level Intermediate Cost $50-$75 $75-$100 Room Outside Style Arts and Crafts Coastal Industrial Farmhouse Global Modern Tools Nail Gun Table Saw Kreg Jig Miter Saw